Something is seriously wrong with the way people get paid in this country.

And the perfect example of that just came from the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS). It’s a liberal group, to be sure, out with its 17th annual survey of executive pay. This time it looks at how many backs were stepped on as these guys… and almost all of them are guys… laid off more people than anyone else in the country (public employees not included).  Read more>

Have you ever noticed that Target seems to have its own gravitational pull, particularly the “super” version? And that it’s SERIOUSLY strong? Back in the pre-teen years, it was the opposite.  Read more>

Do you ever wonder where your money goes? Seems like salaries are so much higher than take home pay and it’s such a tragedy. The following is excerpt from the novel,“Flirting with Finance,” which explains (in a very fun way) what is really going on with your paycheck and more…  Read more>

New vs. Used:

What if I told you that you could drive a $60,000 automobile for $30,000? Would you think I was full of it? I may be, but you actually can purchase a $60,000 car for $30,000. And there are many opportunities to do so.  Read more>

The wedding plans are made and you’re sporting a beautiful ring – all is perfect with the world. Hopefully. But, your friend Alexandria just told you her husband just left her and is asking for half of her house in the divorce agreement. Wow! That’s not very nice! She worked really hard to buy the house before they were married. Should you ask for a pre-nup?  Read more>

Dear Case,

I have been married for 10 years. With the gift giving season just past us, my annual anxiety over our financial inequality has kicked in. Every year, my husband showers me with holiday presents that are thoughtful and extremely generous. I find myself trying to reciprocate, but I am stretched very thin. I have a large family with a long gift list that requires me to be creative and frugal with my budget, whereas he only gets presents for me. Even though I know it is not a contest for the largest gift pile, I still feel guilty. He is gracious and says that he just likes to see me happy, but I always feel embarrassed. I find myself stretching even more to give back, going into debt, worrying and still not even coming close to his openhandedness. How should I have gotten over being the poor sap and embraced the holiday spirit and the thought that counts?  Read more>

Many predicted that the deals offered traditionally on Black Friday would roll out all through November so the question is — what can you get now and what do you really need to be up at the crack of dawn to snag November 27th?  Read more>

While the economy shouts out, “Bah, humbug!” retailers are begging for some figgy pudding. They are vying for our business and this holiday season should prove to be a buyer’s market even if you’re on a tight budget. In addition to sales, coupons and other promotions, many stores are offering layaway plans as a means of luring us under the mistletoe. So pucker up, shoppers, and check out the layaway policies of some of our favorite retailers:  Read more>

(Nor should it be your shopping goal)

If you’ve ever had a case of the “Januaries” you know how horrible they are: doubled over with bills, living on packs of ramen noodles, panicking as you drive to work on fumes.  Read more>